Chivas USA Not Concerned with Opponent’s Record or Weather

For the second consecutive day, Chivas USA completed its afternoon training session at Toyota Park’s auxiliary practice facility in preparation for Sunday’s match against the Chicago Fire in temperatures hovering in the 30s. But it is perhaps the Rojiblancos (1-1-1) that enter the match as the hotter team of the two, as they look to extend their unbeaten streak to three, while Chicago (0-2-1) has yet to record a win in the early season. The Rebaño Angelino, however, is not concerned with either weather reports of possible snow, nor its opponent’s winless record.

“Everyone has that winning mentality right now,” said rookie midfielder Carlos Alvarez. “This is a business trip. We’re coming over here to get those three points. All we care about is our team, that’s how we come in here. Right now there is no such thing as weather, it’s for both teams. At the end of the day you have to come out and play, and the team is focused.”

After Head Coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola’s squad completed a light and entertaining practice session which culminated with a game offutbeis (nearly identical to kickball), a number of Red-and-White players echoed the same mindset as Alvarez.

“Going into every match our focus is to win,” said Giovani Casillas. “If the other team is doing good or bad, that’s on them. Our thoughts are on winning, and that’s how we will come out tomorrow.”

In regards to the role the weather could play Sunday, the first-year midfielder from Guadalajara said he was not concerned about temperatures.

“At some point, every one of us has played in cold temperatures, and I look forward to a good and enjoyable game.”

Sunday’s match marks the 16th all-time meeting between the clubs, as the series began in 2005 during Chivas USA’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer. The Rojiblancos are 2-3-1 all-time at Toyota Park, and look to even the road series with a win.